The AirDrop restriction turns off AirDrop discoverability on Macs. Use it to stop files leaving or arriving on company devices through AirDrop without your control.
Feature/Functionality
Overview
The control works on macOS only:
| macOS | Windows | Linux | iOS / iPadOS | Android |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ✅ |
How to use
- Go to MDM > Controls > Add new control and choose AirDrop restriction.
- Pick the discoverability level from the dropdown. The available option is Off — AirDrop disabled: the Mac cannot be found through AirDrop and cannot send or receive files with it.
- Choose the targeting: all macOS devices, specific device groups, or a custom target.
What happens on the device
Factorial IT sends an MDM restriction that sets AirDrop discoverability to Off on every targeted Mac. Employees cannot switch AirDrop back on or make the Mac visible to others through it.
Edit or turn off the control
Open the control from MDM > Controls to change it or turn it off. Turning it off stops the enforcement, but configurations already applied to devices are not removed.
Tips and Best Practices
- Tell employees before you roll it out. People who use AirDrop to move files between their own devices will notice straight away. Point them to the approved way to share files.
- Start with a device group. Test on a small group first, then widen the targeting to all Macs.
- Remember it covers Macs only. iPhones, iPads and other platforms are not affected by this control.
Troubleshooting and FAQ
Troubleshooting
- AirDrop still works on a Mac. Check that the Mac is inside the control's targeting and that it has synced since the control was saved.
- AirDrop is still off after I turned the control off. Turning the control off stops enforcement but does not undo what was already applied on the device.
FAQ
-
Can employees turn AirDrop back on?
No. While the control is enforced, they cannot enable AirDrop or make the Mac discoverable.
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Does this control apply to iPhones or iPads?
No. It is available for macOS only.
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Is there a level other than Off?
The dropdown offers Off — AirDrop disabled.